2025 & 2026 Rhode Island TSA High School Competitive Events Summary

ANIMATRONICS

To address the annual design challenge, participants exhibit and demonstrate their knowledge of mechanical and control systems by creating an animatronic device with a specific purpose (i.e., communicate an idea, entertain, demonstrate a concept, etc.) that includes sound, lights, and an appropriate surrounding environment (a display).

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

In response to the annual design challenge, participants develop a set of architectural plans and related materials, and construct both a physical and computer-generated model to accurately depict their design. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

AUDIO PODCASTING

Participants use digital audio technology to create original content for a podcast piece that addresses the annual theme. The podcast must feature high level storytelling techniques, voice acting, and folly sound effects; the full entry must include documentation of the podcast development process and elements. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

BIOTECHNOLOGY DESIGN

Participants select a contemporary biotechnology problem that addresses the annual theme and demonstrates understanding of the topic through documented research, the development of a solution, a display (including an optional model or prototype), and an effective multimedia presentation. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

BOARD GAME DESIGN

Participants develop, build, and package a board game that focuses on a subject of their choice. Creative packaging, and the instructions, pieces, and cards associated with the pilot game will be evaluated. Semifinalists set up the game, demonstrate how the game is played, explain the game’s features, and discuss the design process.

CODING

Participants take a test, which concentrates on aspects of coding, to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists develop a software program – in a designated amount of time – that accurately addresses an onsite problem.

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD), ARCHITECTURE

Participants use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to respond to a design challenge in which they develop representations of architectural subjects, such as foundation and/or floor plans, and/or elevation drawings, and/or details of architectural ornamentation or cabinetry. The solution to the design challenge and participant answers in an interview are evaluated.

COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN (CAD), ENGINEERING

Participants use complex computer graphic skills, tools, and processes to respond to a design challenge in which they develop three-dimensional representations of engineering subjects, such as a machine part, tool, device, or manufactured product. The solution to the design challenge and participant answers in an interview are evaluated.

DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS

Participants identify a societal issue, collect or compile data from various sources about the issue, and then produce documentation and a digital scientific poster about their findings. Semifinalists create a synopsis and digital visual representation of a data set provided in an onsite challenge.

DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION

Participants develop and submit a digital video and a documentation portfolio (including such items as a storyboard, script, summary of references and sources, and equipment list) that reflects the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

DRAGSTER DESIGN

Participants design, draw, and construct a CO2-powered dragster that adheres to specifications, design and documentation requirements, and the annual theme. Semifinalists compete in a double-elimination race and participate in an interview.

ENGINEERING DESIGN

Participants develop a solution to an annual theme that is based on a specific challenge noted by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in its compilation of the grand challenges for engineering in the 21st century. The solution will include a documentation portfolio, a display, and a model/prototype. Semifinalists deliver a presentation and participate in an interview.

FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

To address the annual theme, participants demonstrate expertise in fashion design principles by creating a wearable garment, garment patterns, and a documentation portfolio. Semifinalist teams present their garment designs (worn by team models), discuss the design process with evaluators, and respond to interview questions.

FLIGHT ENDURANCE

Participants design, build, fly, and adjust (trim) a rubber-band powered model aircraft to make long endurance flights inside a contained airspace. Documentation (including elements such as attributes of the model design, drawings, and an analysis of the trim modifications), an inspection of the model and the required model flight box, and official times for two flights are aspects of the evaluation.

FORENSIC SCIENCE

Participants take a test of basic forensic science to qualify for the semifinal round of competition. Semifinalists examine a mock crime scene and demonstrate their knowledge of forensic science through crime scene analysis, with the findings synthesized in a written report/analysis.

MANUFACTURING PROTOTYPE

Participants design, fabricate, and use Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) to create a product that addresses the annual theme. A documentation portfolio and the completed product prototype are submitted for evaluation. Semifinalists give a product “sales pitch” and demonstration.

MUSIC PRODUCTION

Participants produce an original musical piece designed to be played during the closing session of the national TSA conference. The quality of the musical piece and required documentation (including elements such as a plan of work, self-evaluation, and a list of hardware, software, and instruments used) determines advancement to the semifinal level of competition, during which semifinalist participants are interviewed.

PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY

Participants produce a photographic portfolio – demonstrating expertise in photo and imaging technology processes – to convey a message based on the annual theme. Semifinalists have 24 hours to complete a portfolio of photos (with required documentation) taken onsite at the national TSA conference. Finalists are determined based on the quality of the semifinal portfolio, the portfolio presentation, and interview responses.

PROMOTIONAL DESIGN

Participants use computerized graphic communications layout and design skills to produce a promotional resource packet. The resource must address the annual theme/problem and include at least four printed publication items and required documentation. Semifinalists demonstrate publishing competency in an onsite technical design challenge.

ROBOTICS

Participants design, build, document, and test a robot assembled using open-sourced parts according to stated specifications and to meet the challenge of the yearly theme/problem.

SENIOR SOLAR SPRINT

Students apply scientific understanding, creativity, experimentation, and teamwork to design, build, and race a model solar vehicle that carries a payload. Documentation of the process is required.

SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

Participants use their knowledge of cutting-edge technologies, algorithm design, problem-solving principles, effective communication, and collaboration to design, implement, test, document, and present a software development project of educational or social value. Both semifinalists and finalists are determined based on the quality of the presentation and project.

STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

Participants apply the principles of structural engineering to design and construct a structure that complies with the annual challenge. An assessment of the required documentation and the destructive testing of the structure (to determine its design efficiency) determine both semifinalists and finalists.

SYSTEM CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Participants develop a solution to a problem (typically one from an industrial setting) presented onsite at the conference. They analyze the problem, build a computer-controlled mechanical model, program the model, demonstrate the programming and mechanical features of the model-solution in an interview, and provide instructions for evaluators to operate the model.

TECHNOLOGY BOWL

Participants demonstrate their knowledge of TSA and concepts addressed in technology content standards by completing an objective test. Semifinalist teams participate in a question/response, head-to-head, team competition.

TECHNOLOGY PROBLEM SOLVING

Participants use problem-solving skills to design and construct a finite solution to a challenge provided onsite at the conference. Solutions are evaluated at the end of 90 minutes using measures appropriate to the challenge, such as elapsed time, horizontal or vertical distance, and/or strength.

TRANSPORTATION MODELING

Participants research, design, and produce a scale model of a vehicle that complies with the annual design problem. A display for the model and a documentation portfolio – containing elements such as a description of the vehicle, photographs and commentary detailing the vehicle production, and technical illustrations – are required. Semifinalists participate in an interview.

VIDEO GAME DESIGN

Participants design, build, and launch an E-rated online video game – with accompanying required documentation – that addresses the annual theme. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise they gained during the development of the game.

WEBMASTER

Participants design, build, and launch a website that addresses the annual challenge. Semifinalists participate in an interview to demonstrate the knowledge and expertise gained during the development of the website.

High School Events Checklist

Event	Presubmission	Quiz	Project	On-Task	Interview
Animatronics			x		x
Architectural Design	x		x		x
Audio Podcasting	x		x
Biotechnology Design			x		x
Board Game Design			x		x
Coding		x		x
CAD – Architecture				x	x
CAD – Engineering				x	x
Data Science and Analytics	x		x		x
Digtal Video Production	x		x		x
Dragster Design			x		x
Engineering Design			x		x
Fashion Design and Technology			x		x
Flight Endurance			x
Forensic Science		x		x
Manufacturing Prototype			x		x
Music Production	x		x		x
Photographic Technologies	x		x		x
Promotional Design	x		x		x
Robotics			x		x
Senior Solar Sprint – Indoor Rules			x		x
Software Development	x		x		x
Structural Design and Engineering				x
System Control Technology				x	x
Tech Bowl		x		x
Technology Problem Solving				x
Transportation Modeling			x		x
Video Game Design	x		x		x
Webmaster	x		x		x

Competition Attire – High School

Shirt:

The official TSA shirt (royal blue) is preferred however the following are acceptable:

Button Down Shirt
Polo/Golf Shirt
Chapter Specific TSA T-Shirt

The following are unacceptable:

Non TSA Chapter Specific T-Shirt
Tank Tops
Halter Tops
Sweatshirts/Hoodies

Pants:

Grey Dress Pants, or at least knee-length Dress or Skirt are preferred, however the following are acceptable:

Pants of any color
Knee length Dress or Skirt of any color

The following are unacceptable:

Pants with Exterior Pockets
Jeans
Leggings
Baggy Pants
Athletic Pants including Sweatpants
Shorts
Skirts above the knee

Shoes

Black or Brown Dress Shoes are preferred, however the following are acceptable

Solid Black colored sneakers
Open Toed Shoes or Sandals (for Presentation Events Only)

The following are unacceptable:

Sneakers or Dress Shoes that are not solid
Flip Flops
Crocs
Military Boots
Work Boots

Tie and Blazer

Ties and Blazers are not required, however, if worn must follow the below guidelines

Ties – Appropriate Pattern and Graphics

Blazer – Solid Color or Checkerboard Pattern

Note: Students not in appropriate competition attire when they compete may be allowed to participate in an event, but they will lose twenty percent (20%) of the total possible points per round.

Official TSA attire may be purchased online via the SHOP tab on the TSA website.